Streaming Release of ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ on Peacock

Streaming Release of “Homicide: Life on the Street”

The critically acclaimed police procedural drama from the 1990s, “Homicide: Life on the Street,” is set to make a triumphant return, now available for streaming in its entirety. All seven seasons of this groundbreaking series, which aired on NBC from 1993 to 1999, along with the 2000 film “Homicide: The Movie,” will be accessible on Peacock starting August 19. While the show has enjoyed syndication and has been released on DVD, its absence from streaming platforms has been a source of frustration for dedicated fans, primarily due to the complex challenge of securing music rights—an issue that often complicates streaming agreements.

“Homicide” was adapted from a book by David Simon, who was then a reporter for the Baltimore Sun. He spent a year closely observing the Baltimore Police Department’s Homicide Unit. The series, alongside “NYPD Blue,” which also debuted in 1993, brought a new level of grit and moral complexity to the cop genre. This innovative storytelling laid the groundwork for the emergence of hard-edged cable dramas such as “The Shield” and Simon’s own “The Wire,” which is often hailed as one of the greatest television series of all time.

Created by Paul Attanasio and executive produced by Barry Levinson among others, “Homicide” featured Simon as a producer. Tom Fontana, who later created the acclaimed prison drama “Oz,” served as the showrunner. During its run, “Homicide” cultivated a passionate and devoted fanbase, even though it never achieved blockbuster ratings. The show managed to stay on air for seven seasons, garnering four Emmy Awards out of a total of 17 nominations, as well as three prestigious Peabody Awards. Its talented ensemble cast included Andre Braugher, who won an Emmy for his portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton, and notable performances by Melissa Leo, Richard Belzer, and Giancarlo Esposito.

As the streaming era revitalizes cherished titles from television history, “Homicide” consistently appeared on numerous lists of shows that fans were eager to see available on streaming services. In a post on X in June, Simon hinted at the long-awaited arrival of the series. He wrote, “Word is that NBC has managed to finally secure the music rights necessary to sell ‘Homicide: Life On The Streets’ to a streaming platform.” In a follow-up reply, he acknowledged the efforts of others, stating, “I did nothing. Tom Fontana, Barry Levinson and [the producer] Gail Mutrux undertook the lobbying effort.”